The 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis destroyed about 80 percent of the records for Army personnel discharged between Nov. 1, 1912, and Jan 1, 1960. Also destroyed were about 75 percent of the records for Army Air Force and Air Force personnel, with surnames from "Hubbard" through "Z", discharged between Sep. 25, 1947, and Jan. 1, 1964.

Officials have never determined what exactly was lost in the fire because there are no indices to the blocks of records involved. They were simply filed in alphabetical order for the following groups:

World War I (Army) - Sep. 7, 1930, to Nov. 1, 1912

World War II (Army) - Dec. 31, 1946, to Sep. 8, 1939

Post -World War I (Army) - Dec. 31, 1959, to Jan. 1, 1947

Post World-War II (Army) - Dec. 31, 1963, to Sep. 25, 1947

If your records were lost

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) will attempt to reconstruct a vetern's records only if asked by the veteran or the next of kin of a deceased veteran. Next of kin are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, husbands or wives. Given sufficent information, NPRC may be able to reconstruct a file.

If a veteran does not have any of the necessary documents or infomation, they may be available from VA or state veterans service center.

Veterans or next of kin may also submit a request for records online at www.vetrecs.archives.gov NPRC can also be contacted at (314) 810-0800 or by email at mpr.center@nara.gov. NPRC cannot accept email requests for records. Email queries should only be sent to ask general information, such as procedures or hours of operation.

January 3, 2007

Implementation of Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Compensation Program Is Underway

The Department of Defense notifies VA when service members are released from active duty. Then VA sends a letter with information about VA benefits and assistance to aid transition to civilian life. You can find help with personal and family concerns, and community readjustment issues. There are also toll-free numbers, VA Web sites, and brochures to help you get the information you need.

Attention Veterans:Valuable information on the dangers of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure can be found by clicking on the link below and visiting the site. Were you exposed whileserving our country?Find Out

Our insurance programs were developed to provide insurance benefits for veterans and service members who may not be able to get insurance from private companies because of the extra risks involvedin military service, or a service connected disability.